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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: TALKATIVE (09/08/16)
“I’m sorry, we’ve done all we can do. You have six months or less to live”

The words a cancer patient does not want to hear. After fighting the dreadful illness for seven years, the last ounce of hope drained from my body, and I felt my face flush with both relief and pain. I wasn’t ready to go yet, but at the same time I was tired of the fight. I could finally let go and accept whatever God had in store for me the next six months or less.

I had already lived seven years past my original expiration date. In August of 2009, I was rushed to hospital with seizures from a brain tumor. It was at that time doctors discovered a large mass at the base of my spine. The brain tumor nearly killed me, but a gifted surgeon quickly removed it and saved my life.

My next diagnosis came within days. Stage 4 colorectal cancer with very little chance of survival for the next six months, Doctors were wrong again. Extensive surgery and chemotherapy killed the tumor, and I was in remission for two years!

The dreaded monster reared its ugly head once again in 2012, and the fight continued for 4 more years. Victories were won at times, but the tumor continued to shrink and grow until all means of treatment had been exhausted, which leads me to a few days ago, in my oncologist’s office.

Six months or less. What does one do with those words? File them away and try to forget them? Pretend you never heard them, or last but not least, cry?

Not me, I started talking. For the first time in my life, this reserved little introvert started talking to people I love, people I don’t love, and most importantly, God! I have talked more in the last week than I have in the last seven years. I started telling perfect strangers about my life and impending death, whether they wanted to hear it or not.

People may find me strange, I talk so much. There is so much I have wanted to say but was too afraid to say. I am outspoken, unafraid to speak up for myself, defend the truth. It is liberating. Before I learned I had so little time left to talk, I was timid, shy, and mousy. No longer the case with me.

I call people up and talk. I tell them I love them, that I am sorry for any wrong I have done them, and I ask their forgiveness. I talk about old times, good times, and bad times.

I have been renewed by talking. Why didn’t I do this before? Holding things inside, bottling up feelings and for what? Fear of being rejected. I no longer feel that fear, because I feel my Lord and Savior with me, closer than ever.

The time is coming when my earthly voice will be quieted, but my spiritual voice will speak to my loved ones here on earth. It will speak of love, forgiveness, and it will speak of the truth.

I also talk to God non-stop. So much to say, and so little time. My heart speaks to Him like never before. I rejoice at the thought I will soon be with Him, and all the worries of the world will be left behind me. Peace at last. However, for now I will talk.
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This article has been read 1159 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
C D Swanson 
09/15/16
And what a beautiful voice it is coming from a truly beautiful spirit.

Thank you for your entry that touched my heart and soul.

Your voice will live on forever my friend, and you've touched so many along the way. So glad we met here at FW, I'm blessed to have had you as a friend.

I will keep you in prayer, as always.

May God's perfect peace guide you and lead you home where your voice will sing and speak for evermore.



Love and prayers~

PamFord Davis 
09/15/16
Your story is not ending; instead, it is just beginning!

I'd title your story 'Eternity.'

Everything so far has been the 'introduction.'

Soon...
You will be Winging Your Words in worship of Christ. He is the Living WORD!
Dannie Hawley 
09/19/16
Thank you for your frank and transparent entry. The truth not only sets us free, but it opens doors for us to reach others in a profound way. Your story is one that brings hope, encouraging us to share the important things with those we love, but also all others with whom we come into contact. Thanks so much for this lovely entry.
Linda Goergen
09/19/16
Such a touching entry that messages so much...all too often we fill our time up with, and speak things that are unimportant, leaving the really important undone and unsaid. Our words are something that outlives us, thank you for the reminder. Praying God’s peace guides and comforts you and thank you for being a blessing with your words!
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
09/21/16
Oh my, Lynn, I have tears flowing down my face. You have inspired me so much. Your faith, your courage, and your compassion blows me away. Congratulations on your 1st place EC. This is stunning and I'm doing my Happy Dance because you know Jesus and have that passion to reach out and share him with others. If you ever need to talk, day or night I am here. Huge hugs.
Holly Westefeld
09/21/16
Congratulations, Lynn, on your first place EC for this thought-provoking, inspiring vignette. May we be blessed with your gift of writing as long as you are up to it, and may God ease your transition to His Kingdom.
Chris Goglin
09/21/16
Hello Lynn! Even though I don't know you personally, I feel like I do when I read your posts. I felt so sad in reading this, as I know the struggles you must have gone through. Thank you for encouraging so many of us through your writing. My problems are just little frustrations compared to yours, it really makes me appreciate loved ones around me, and to "talk" too them more often! May God wrap His loving arms around you in the months to come and give you peace!
Rachel Rudd
09/21/16
Thank you for sharing this powerful testimony. I will pray for God's peace for you and your family. Congratulations on your first place win, too.
C D Swanson 
09/22/16
Dearest Lynn,

Congratulations on your EC and first place win.

My heart is smiling at your coveted win and my heart is smiling because you're my friend, and one that will remain in this smiling heart forever.

Thank you for your inspiring entries, for showing what courage is all about, and for helping so many people doing your journey. Most of all, thank you for shining Jesus' light in every aspect of your life.

God hold you my sweet friend now and always,

With love and prayers~
PamFord Davis 
09/22/16
Congratulations on your winning entry, Lynn! Through your testimony, 'you have' won a place in the hearts of readers. 'You have' fought the fight and will soon receive to prize, the crown of life!

Wing His Words
Dannie Hawley 
09/22/16
Congrats on your championship win, Lynn! Your entry will keep touching people for many years to come.
Verna Cole Mitchell 
09/22/16
Congratulations for first place for this beautiful witness to the peace that Jesus gives. What a sad but lovely story to show God's grace to you through the years.
Loni Bowden-Horn 
09/23/16
Lynn, What a precious child od God you are. My eyes welded up with tears as I read this empassioned testimony full of courage and determination.

Your voice will remain strong through your writings as you share the saving grace of Jesus.

I pray for you and your family

You've just gotten your second wind of a runner.

No matter how long the distance, you've already won the race.The Crown of life awaits.
Sheldon Bass 
09/26/16
Oh the things I miss when I'm not around! Lynn I am so pleased, saddened and exuberant all the same time over this piece. What a special power your voice carries in written form. Congratulations on the fine win. You really are a fantastic writer, but we've known that all along ☺.
Margo McKenzie 
10/01/16
Hi Lynn,

This article cuts right to the heart of the matter. My prayers are with you and your family. In more than one way, you have found your voice, and it is powerful, penetrating and far-reaching. Many blessings upon you.
Ellen Carr 
10/02/16
Dear Lynn, Thank you for writing this beautiful piece an sharing your journey and God's empowerment of you to be talkative now. There's no doubt that your words, written and spoken, will have a mighty impact on many and draw people to the Lord who you love and loves you. May you know his peace and love more and more as you move towards your forever time with him.
Mike Hill 
10/03/16
Thank you so much for writing this. I can now better understand what my SIL must be going through. You have a blessed gift of communication!
Bea Edwards 
10/09/16
Your stunning testimony is difficult for me to comment on. I am grateful for your renewal and peace but am already grieving the loss of your wonderful voice. Oh dear dear dear most beautiful sister in Christ, may you continue to have the energy to talk of His love with everyone you come across!
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
11/17/16
Oh, Lynn, somehow I know you will see my tears. I'm so sorry that this horrible disease beat you, but then I'm reminded that it didn't because you are now in the arms of Jesus. I'll miss you dearly my friend.